it could not come at a more critical time with the busy holiday food-shopping season upon us. we go with the arguments coming from both sides. >> that is right. >> reporter: there is a lot riding on this. not only the jobs and the benefits and paychecks of 7,500 workers but millions and mill -- millions in holiday sale fist. >> a week after they go on strike the two are back at the table. picket lines remain up but so do hopes. >> it is good news. i want my job back. i miss it. >> reporter: both sides agreed not to talk about it openly but on the union web site while it a positive development no time to let down our guard. >> we dope know what is going on at the -- we don't know what is going on at the taeupbl but the workers are committed to stay out here until we have have a contract. >> wage freeze, holding clerks at $9.21, and others at $21.09 an hour and elimination of holiday pay. >> reporter: it is welcome news. they are talking right now t. it is still scary. we are hoping it -- it will get resolved soon. >> reporter: they are calling the benefit's package one of the b